Nature Deficit Disorder
- Olivia Kehres
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Nature Deficit Disorder is not a medical condition but a metaphorical term to describe the effects (mainly behavioral) that a lack of exposure to nature has on children. Spending time in nature provides both physical and mental benefits especially to adolescent ages, so when the exposure to the natural environment is limited or taken away from kids there is a noticeable change in behavior. Mood swings of anger, jealousy, and sadness may occur and increase as the lack of exposure to the natural world increases.
The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the biggest reasons people have begun to realize not just the enjoyment, but also the necessity of being active and outside with nature. Most individuals didn’t realize how beneficial our backyards are until they had to stay inside and protect themselves from other people. Richard Louve, the author of, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder claims that when younger people spend less time outdoors in the natural environment, both their physiological and psychological senses narrow.
Common Symptoms of Nature Deficit Disorder:
Although nature deficit disorder cannot be medically diagnosed, it still exists and can be recognized through some common symptoms. Most changes noticed in children experiencing a disconnect from nature are behavioral which can be seen as increased levels in stress, anxiety, anger, jealousy, depression, isolation, and annoyance. Studies have been held that prove when people are exposed to even just the sight of nature, their heart rates become slower, more regulated, and the people experiencing the exposure report that they feel happier and calmer in the presence of nature. There has also been evidence proving that access and exposure to natural spaces decreases aggression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. In addition to the wellbeing of the mind and behavior, nature also boosts the immune system and leads to a significantly higher chance of physical activity.
An issue to point out however, is the access and availability of green spaces leading to socioeconomic and racial discrimination. Those a part of a minority or lower socioeconomic status have less access to green spaces because of the cost of land and bias of owners and sellers. Locations of parks and public green spaces are also mostly located in predominantly wealthier and/or white areas resulting in more difficulty being able to travel to green spaces while living outside of those areas.
Nonetheless, nature deficit disorder is something we have all most likely experienced at some point in our lives and the only way to reduce the effects is to go outside and (literally) touch some grass. As younger children begin to develop it is prudent for them to be informed, educated, and exposed to the environment so they come to enjoy it, respect it, find happiness in it, and keep it clean for the new generations to come.
Sources: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/parenting/nature-health-benefits-coronavirus-outdoors.html
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